If your child’s dentist has mentioned they may need a crown, it’s natural to have questions — what does that actually mean for a baby tooth, and why not just a filling? This guide walks through why a crown is sometimes recommended, the two main types used in children’s dentistry, and the things worth discussing with your child’s dentist to work out what suits their tooth best.
What is a dental crown, and why might a child need one?
A crown is a cap that covers a tooth completely, protecting it and restoring its shape once too much of the natural tooth structure is missing or weakened. For children, a crown is usually considered when:
- The tooth is too broken down or decayed for a simple filling to hold up well.
- The tooth has had a pulpotomy (a treatment on the tooth’s nerve) and needs extra protection afterwards.
- The tooth has a particularly high risk of further decay, and a full-coverage restoration is likely to last better than a smaller filling.
A crown isn’t a sign that something has gone “too far” — it’s simply the restoration that tends to hold up best for that particular tooth. Your child’s dentist will only recommend one after examining the tooth, and sometimes after X-rays, to see exactly what’s needed.
The two common types used in children’s dentistry
There are two crown types most commonly used on children’s back teeth. Neither is universally “better” — each has strengths, and the right choice depends on the individual tooth.
Stainless steel crowns
These are metal, silver-coloured caps that have been used in paediatric dentistry for decades. They’re valued for being:
- Very durable and well suited to withstanding the bite forces of back teeth.
- Quicker to fit, which can matter for a younger or more anxious child.
- Generally a cost-effective option.
The trade-off is appearance — they’re silver rather than tooth-coloured, which is more noticeable on visible teeth.
White (tooth-coloured) crowns, such as zirconia
These crowns are designed to blend in with the surrounding teeth. They’re valued for being:
- Natural-looking, which some families prefer, particularly for front or visible teeth.
- Also durable and hard-wearing when placed on a suitable tooth.
The trade-off is that they can involve more tooth preparation to fit well, and are generally a higher-cost option than stainless steel.
What about strip crowns?
You may also hear about strip crowns, a third option used mainly on the front baby teeth. They work differently to stainless steel and zirconia crowns, so we won’t go into detail here — read our dedicated guide to strip crowns if this is relevant to your child, or your dentist can talk you through it at the appointment.
So which one is right for my child?
There’s no single “best” crown for every child — it depends on things like:
- Which tooth is involved (front teeth and back teeth have different demands).
- How much of the tooth remains and how much strength is needed.
- Appearance preferences for you and your child.
- Durability needs, including how the tooth bites against others.
- Cost, since the two options are generally priced differently.
At Tooth Town, we talk through these trade-offs with you at your child’s appointment, once we can see the tooth (and any X-rays) clearly. What’s right for one child’s tooth won’t always be right for another, and the final recommendation is always made together with you, based on your child’s individual examination.
How we help at Tooth Town
Our team is experienced in placing both stainless steel and white crowns for children, and we’ll always explain why a particular option is being suggested for your child’s tooth. If a crown is recommended, we’ll talk you through what’s involved, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable with the plan before we go ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Why would my child need a crown instead of a filling?
Crowns are usually recommended when a tooth is too broken down or decayed for a filling to hold up well, after a pulpotomy, or when a tooth is at high risk of further decay. Your child’s dentist will confirm what’s appropriate after examining the tooth.
Are stainless steel crowns safe for children?
Yes. Stainless steel crowns have a long track record in paediatric dentistry and are valued for their durability, particularly on back teeth.
Do white crowns work as well as stainless steel crowns?
Both can be durable and effective — they suit different situations. your dentist will consider the tooth’s location, condition and your preferences before recommending one.
Will my child’s crown need to be replaced later?
Crowns placed on baby teeth are generally intended to protect the tooth until it’s naturally lost, but this varies by child. your dentist can talk you through what to expect for your child’s specific tooth.
Are white crowns more expensive than stainless steel?
White (tooth-coloured) crowns are generally a higher-cost option than stainless steel. We can talk through the options and any cost differences with you before treatment.
Can I choose which type of crown my child gets?
Your preferences matter and we’re happy to discuss them, but the final recommendation also depends on what’s clinically appropriate for that specific tooth. We’ll talk this through with you together.
What to do next
If your child’s dentist has mentioned a crown, or you’ve noticed a tooth that might need one, book an appointment so we can take a look and talk you through the options that suit your child best.
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.